Interactive Dialogue of the General Assembly on Harmony with Nature: Scientific findings on the impacts of human activities on the functioning of the Earth’s Systems

Closing remarks by Mr. Sha Zukang, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Secretary-General of the 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development

18 April 2012, New York

Excellencies,
Distinguished panelists,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today’s Dialogue with our distinguished panel has reminded us that Mother Nature is in danger and that sustainable development policy needs to be firmly rooted in solid science.

Sound scientific findings are the best way to move beyond controversy to consensus on policies.

Today’s Dialogue has provided valuable insights for the Rio+20 negotiations. It has brought together physics, economics, ecology and sociology.

As we move towards consensus on the Rio+20, I urge you, as delegates, to rely on this same holistic approach in your negotiations. As I stated earlier, keep the Earth in full view as you negotiate the outcome document.

It is my hope that Rio+20 will see a focused political document agreed, that is oriented to implementation, integration and coherence, with enhanced harmony with nature that is based on a development model which uses science and technology wisely. With institutions to share technologies to help heal society and the planet.

A model that meets the basic needs of all humans today and tomorrow.

But a model that respects the finite resources of the Earth and helps regenerate Mother Earth.